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Sample Extracts
The Holy Quran Simply: a simple English translation. Each chapter of The Holy Quran Simply translation includes an Author's story interpretation written by Haset Sali.
Below are sample extracts of three entire Chapters from The Holy Quran Simply. Chapter [Sura] 28 covers the story of Moses and the Pharoah written in The Book of the Qur'an. Chapter [Sura] 93 is inspirational about retaining Faith in Almighty God. And Chapter [Sura] 98 speaks of the meaning of True Religion. CHAPTER 28 [Sura xxviii]
THE STORY [Al-Quasas] This Chapter [Sura] takes its name from v. 25 and consists mainly of the story of Moses' early life. By the Grace of God he was raised in Pharaoh's home yet with the gentle love of his mother. In exile, he opened his heart to God and found love and family help through his prayer, worthy conduct and Faith in God. God ultimately called him to confront Pharaoh's arrogance and evil conduct. He did so with God's guidance and humble, patient and unwavering Faith in God, also the help of his brother Aaron. The Messenger Muhammad, like the Messenger Moses, faced his challenges with a similar approach and also grew with the experiences in his early life. He too was blessed with love and family help. Verses 75-82: Qarun a rich, arrogant and ungrateful person meets his Maker. Verses 84-88: ...everything will perish except God... to Whom we shall return. In the name of God, the Most Loving, the Most Forgiving [Verses: 1 - 88] 1. Ta Sin Mim. 2. These are the Verses of THE BOOK making [God's Message] clear. 3. We reveal to you some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh with Truth for those who believe. 4. Pharaoh was an arrogant tyrant classifying his people into castes. He oppressed one small group among them [Jews] by killing their sons but sparing their daughters. He was indeed evil. 5. We desired to show Mercy to those who were oppressed, to make them an example as leaders [of Faith] and let them inherit [a promised land]. 6. A homeland for them on Earth before Pharaoh, Haman [an Adviser] and their followers; the very thing they feared and were trying to prevent. 7. We inspired Moses" Mother saying: "Suckle him but when you have fear of him [being discovered], cast him into the river. Do not fear or grieve. We shall return him to you and shall make him one of Our Messengers. 8. Pharaoh's household picked him up though he would [later] be an opponent to them and a cause of sorrow. Pharaoh, Haman and their followers were indeed evil. 9. Pharaoh's wife said: "[He is such] a joy for you and I to look at. Do not slay him. He may be of use to us or we may adopt him as a son. [God ensured] they did not realise what they were doing. 10. The heart of Moses' mother became a void [hollow] and she almost disclosed [the secret] but We strengthened her heart so she had Faith. 11. She said to Moses' sister: "Follow him." So she watched as would a stranger though they did not realise [this was God's Plan]. 12. We then made him reject all foster mothers until his sister came up and said: "Shall I show you a household who will nourish him, will care for him and be sincerely attached to him?" 13. We restored him to his mother so she would be comforted, not grieve and know the Promise of God is True, but most do not understand. 14. When he reached full strength and was firmly established We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who pursue worthy conduct. 15. He entered the city at a time when its people were careless and he found two men fIghting; one a Jew, one Egyptian of Pharaoh's people. The Jew asked him for help. Moses responded by defensively striking the other with his fist, but killed him. Moses said: "This is the devil's work; he is an open enemy constantly waiting to mislead mankind." 16. He prayed: "0 my Lord I have indeed wronged my soul! I pray forgive me." God forgave him; being Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 17. He said: "0 my Lord! You have bestowed Your Grace on me, I shall never help those who sin." 18. Morning found him in the city, fearing, watchful, vigilant when behold the man who had the day before sought his help again cried out to him for his help. Moses said: "You are indeed a troublesome fellow." 19. When he lay hold of the Egyptian he said: "0 Moses! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed the other man yesterday? Your intention is to be nothing but a powerful violent tyrant, not one who sets things right!" 20. Then another man came running from the other end of the city and said: "0 Moses! The Chiefs are taking counsel to slay you; therefore escape, for I give you sincere advice." 21. Moses decided to escape, fearing, watchful, vigilant, he said: "My Lord! Save me from these evil-living people." 22. Then he headed towards [the land of] Midian and said: "I hope my Lord will show me the right way." 23. He came to the water [hole] of Midian and found there a group of men watering [their flocks] and he found apart from them two women keeping back [their flock]. He said: "What is the problem?" They said: "We cannot water [our flock] until the men leave as our father is a very old man." 24. So he watered [their flock] for them, then he turned back to the shade and said: "0 my Lord! Truly I am in need of whatever good you could send down for me." 25. Then one of the two women came to him, walking shyly, and said: "My father wants to meet you so he can reward you for watering our flock for us." So Moses came to him and told him his [life] story. He said: "Do not fear! You were right to escape from unjust people." 26. One of the daughters said: "0 Father! Employ him! Truly the best of men for you to employ is one who is strong and" trustworthy." 27. He said: "I intend to wed you to one of my two daughters on the condition you serve me for eight years. You may complete ten years on your own accord, I do not want to make it hard for you. God willing you will find me of the righteous." 28. [Moses] said: "That is [settled] between you and I. Whichever of the two terms I fulfil let there be no ill [feeling] between us. God is witness to what we say." 29. After Moses had fulfilled his term he was travelling with his family and saw a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family: "Wait here. I see a fire, perhaps I can bring some information or a piece of burning wood so we can light a fire for warmth." 30. When he approached the fire a voice spoke on the right bank of the valley from a tree in the Holy Field: "0 Moses! Truly I am God, the Lord of the Worlds... " 31. "Throw down your rod!" [Moses did] but when he saw it writhing like a snake he turned back in retreat. [God said]: "0 Moses! Come closer and do not be afraid, for you are of those who are secure." 32. "Place your hand under your armpit inside your robe and it will come forth [glowing] white without pain [or harm]. Hold your hands close by your side and calm your heart from fear. These are two Signs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his Chiefs who are indeed evil-doers." 33. He said: "0 my Lord! I killed a man among them and I fear they will kill me." 34. "My brother Aaron is more eloquent in speech than I. Send him with me as a helper to support me for I fear they will accuse me of lying." 35. He said: "We will certainly strengthen your arm with your brother and invest you both with authority so they will not be able to touch you. With Our Signs you will triumph; you, and those who follow you." 36. When Moses came to them [Pharaoh and his people] with Our Clear Signs, they said: "This is nothing but invented magic. We have never heard of anything like this from our forefathers." 37. Moses said: "My Lord knows best who comes with guidance from Him and who will succeed in the Hereafter. The evil-doers will not be successful." 38. Pharaoh said: "0 Chiefs! You have no god other than me. 0 Haman! Light me a kiln to bake bricks out of clay and build me a lofty tower so I may survey the God of Moses. As far as I am concerned I think Moses is a liar.' 39. Pharaoh and his followers were arrogant and insolent beyond reason. He [and they] thought they would never return to Us. 40. We drowned him and his followers as they rushed into the parted sea. 41. We made them leaders but those who followed them are destined for the Fire on the Day of Judgment and none of them will be helped. 42. In this world We made a Curse follow them and on the Day of Judgment they will be among those loathed [and despised]. 43. We did Reveal THE BOOK to Moses after We destroyed the earlier generations to give Vision, Guidance and Mercy to mankind so they might think [and take heed of the warnings]. 44. You [Muhammad] were not on the western side of [Mount Tur] when We gave Moses the Commission [to approach Pharaoh] nor were you a witness. 45. We raised new generations and their lives spanned over many years. You did not live in Midian reciting Our Message to them but it was We Who sent the Messengers. 46. Nor were you beside [Mount] Tur when We called [to Moses] yet [you are sent] as a Mercy from your Lord to give warning to a people to whom no Warner had come before you, so they might think [and also take heed of the warnings]. 47. If [We had] not [sent you to the Quraish of Mecca] and a calamity seized them [for their evil conduct] they might say: "Our Lord! Why did you not send us a Messenger? We would then have followed Your Signs and been amongst those who believe." 48. [Now] the Truth has come to them from Us they say: "Why is he not given [Signs] like the ones sent to Moses? Did they not reject the [Signs] previously sent to Moses? They say: "[These are] two kinds of magic, each assisting the other and we disbelieve in both [the Torah and the Quran]." 49. Say: "Then if you are truthful, you bring a Book from God that gives better guidance than these two so I may follow it." 50. If they do not answer you then know they only follow their own lusts, and who are more astray than those who follow their own lusts and ignore Guidance from God? For God will not Guide those who pursue wrongdoing. 51. Now We have caused the Word to reach them so they may take heed. 52. Those to whom We revealed THE BOOK before this, [if] they do believe: 53. When it is recited to them, will say: "We believe in it, for it is the Truth from our Lord. Indeed, we have been among those who surrender [to God] even before it." 54. They will be given their reward twice over, because they pursued good over evil and gave in charity out of what We have given them. 55. When they hear pointless talk they tum away from it and say: "To us, our conduct, and to you, yours. Peace upon you! We do not pursue ignorance." 56. It is true you will not be able to guide everyone you love. God guides whom He will. For He is best aware of those who seek guidance. 57. They say: "If we were to follow the Guidance with you our land would be snatched from us." Have We not established for them a secure Sanctuary to which are brought, as tributes, produce of all kinds; a provision from Ourselves? But most of them do not understand. 58. How many peoples did We destroy for being thankless for their means of livelihood. Remnants of their dwellings remain deserted, all but a [miserable] few. Then We, even We, were the inheritors. 59. Your Lord did not destroy any such people until He raised up in their midst a Messenger reciting to them Our Revelations. Nor do We destroy any people unless they are evil-doers. 60. Whatever you have been given in this world is a convenience or an ornament; while that which is with God is better and more lasting. Will you not then think? 61. Are [these two] alike? One to whom We have made a good Promise and who is going to reach its [fulfilment]; like one whom We allow to enjoy the comforts of this world, then on the Day of Resurrection they are among those brought up [for punishment]? 62. That Day He will say: "Where are My partners whom you imagined?" 63. Those against whom the charge will be proved will say: "Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray. We led them astray as we were astray ourselves. We disown them in Your Presence. It was not us they worshipped [it suited them to worship us but they really worshipped their own lusts]." 64. It will be said [to them]: "Call upon your 'partners' [for help now]." They will call upon them, but they [in return] will ignore them and they will see their painful destiny. [They will say]: "If only we had been open to guidance." 65. That Day God will say: "What was the answer you gave to the Messengers?" 66. On that Day everything will seem obscure to them nor will they be able to question each other. 67. Those who believed, pursued worthy conduct and repented will have hope to be among the successful. 68. Your Lord makes everything happen as He wills or chooses. They have no say [in the matter]. Glory be to Almighty God, He is far above the partners they seek to associate [with Him]. 69. Your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal. 70. He is God. There is no God but Him. To Him is due all praise, in the first and the last instance. His is the Command and to Him you shall [all] be brought back. 71. Say: "Have you thought, if God were to make the night continue over to the Day of Judgment, who else could give you Light? Will you not then think?" 72. Say: "If God were to make the day continue over to the Day of Judgment, who else could give you night for rest? Will you not then think?" 73. It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you night and day so you may rest and so you may seek His reward and be grateful. 74. The Day when He will call on them He will say: "Where are the 'partners' you imagined [I had]?" 75. From each people We shall draw a Witness and We shall say: "Bring your proof." Then they will know the Truth is with God [alone] and those who invented [lies] will be left in the lurch. 76. Qarun was undoubtedly of the people of Moses but he acted insolently towards them. The keys alone for treasures We had bestowed upon him would have been a burden for a body of strong men. His people said to him: "Do not be boastful, for God does not love the boastful. 77. Seek the reward of the Hereafter with that which God has bestowed on you, nor neglect your portion of this World, and be kind as God has been kind to you,.. Do not seek mischief in the land for God does not love those who pursue mischief." 78. Qarun said: "This has been given to me because of certain knowledge I possess." Did he not know that God had destroyed before him [past] generations superior to him in strength, wealth and influence? But the wicked are not always called to [immediately] account for their sins. 79. So he arrogantly went forth among his people. Those who desired the life of this world said: "Ah, if only we had wealth like Qarun, for he is the lord of a mighty good fortune." 80. Those who heeded God's Message said: "Woe to you! The reward of God for those who believe and pursue worthy conduct is better and only those with commitment, patience and persistence will achieve it." 81. Then We caused Earth to swallow up Qarun and his house and he had no one to help him against God nor could he defend himself. 82. Those who had envied him the day before began to say: "Ah! It is God Who enlarges provision or restricts it to anyone He pleases. Had God not been Gracious to us He could have caused Earth to swallow us up! Indeed those who reject God will surely not succeed." 83. The home We shall give in the Hereafter to those who do not inflict oppression or pursue evil conduct will be a just reward for those who ward off [evil). 84. If anyone pursues worthy conduct their reward is better than their conduct; but if anyone pursues evil conduct they are punished only for the extent of their conduct. 85. Indeed, He Who ordained the Quran for you will bring you back to where it [all] began. Say: "My Lord knows best Who it is that brings true Guidance and who is in clear error." 86. You had not expected THE BOOK would be revealed to you; but it is a Mercy from your Lord. Therefore never lend support to those who reject God's Message. 87. Let nothing divert you from the Signs of God after they have been revealed to you and invite mankind to turn to your Lord and keep away from those who seek to associate others with Him. 88. Turn only to God. There is no God but Him. Everything will perish except God and His Presence. To Him belongs the Command and to Him you shall return. CHAPTER 93 [Sura xciii]
THE GLORIOUS MORNING LIGHT [Dhuha] Just as the stillness of the night can be awesome so can times when we are tested. However we always need to retain our patience and Faith in Almighty God Who inspired and guided the Messenger Muhammad from the time he was a vulnerable orphan until His Divine Calling and the fulfilment of his awesome and inspirational life. In the name of God, the Most Loving, the Most Forgiving [Verses: 1 - 11] 1. By the Glorious Morning Light: 2. And by the still [of the] night. 3. You Lord has not forsaken you nor does He hate you. 4. For the Hereafter will be better for you than the life of this world. 5. Soon your Lord will give you that which you will be well pleased with. 6. Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter [and care]? 7. Did He not find you searching for the Truth and gave you direction? 8. Did He not find you without means and then enriched you? 9. Therefore do not treat the orphan with harshness. 10. Nor order the beggar away. 11. So rehearse and proclaim the Bounty and the Goodness of Your Lord. CHAPTER 98 [Sura xcviii] CLEAR PROOF [Baiyina]Those who reject the Truth and Light of This Message [Quran] after its Clear Proof [Revelation], whether they be People of THE BOOK or idol worshippers, will dwell in Hell. Those who believe after this will dwell in Heaven if they fulfil their obligations to Almighty God. In the name of God, the Most Loving, the Most Forgiving [Verses: 1 - 8] 1. Those who reject [Truth] among the People of THE BOOK and idol worshippers were determined to pursue their beliefs unless clear proof came to them: 2. A Messenger from God revealing a pure and Holy Message: 3. In which are contained God's Divine Laws and Instruction. 4. The People of THE BOOK were not in dispute until after this Clear Proof came to them. 5. They are asked to do no more than this: Worship only God; be sincere in their [faith and] devotion to Him; be true [honest, genuine and loyal]; establish regular prayer and practise regular charity. This is true religion. 6. Whoever disbelieves [after this] among the People of THE BOOK and the idol worshippers will dwell in Hell. Such are the worst of creatures. 7. Those who believe and pursue worthy conduct are the best of all creatures. 8. Their reward is with God: Gardens of Eternity with rivers flowing below: They will dwell there forever: God being well pleased with them and they with Him: All this for those keep their duty to God. |
